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Origin and Fall 

^w^^of the AlO-lHO 



March 6, 1836. 



• 



BY JOHN S. FORD, 

One of a Comnnilef of' the Alamo Associatiov . 



1895: 

Johnson Brothers Phintinc. Company. 
San ,\ntoiiio, Texas. 



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P (of 



San Antonio, May 30, 1895. 

The committee, appointed to prepare a history of the Alamo, 
report as follows: 

In treating of the Alamo it is dne to the people of Texas to 
give, at least, a short account of the settlement of Americans in 
Texas, and of the causes leading to the revolution of 1835 and 
1836. There were Americans in Texas previous to the advent of 
Moses Austin, December, 1S20 Anterior to this period of time 
Americans had entered Texas with a view of assisting the revolu- 
tionists in the war they were waging against the King of Spain. 
They effected good service on several occasions. In the interior 
portions of Mexico, Americans rendered considerable aid to the 
Mexicans. The United States in throwing off the yoke of 
England was an example many States in America endeavored to 
imitate. The effect of these causes gave to Americans a distin- 
guished consideration. It was, no doubt, one of the main 
inducements causing a favorable answer to be made to Moses 
Austin when he applied for authority to introduce settlers into 
Texas. This authority was granted in 182 1. 

It must be remembered that La Salle had entered Texas in 
1685, and had made a settlement of Frenchmen and had built 
Fort St. Louis, on the Lavacca river. This fact, with others of a 
later date, induced the Viceroy of Mexico, the Duke of Litiares, 
to take steps for the permanent occupation of Texas. He sent 
Don Domingo Ramon with troops and a party of Franciscan 
friars to civilize and christianize Indians. This occurred in 17 15. 
Ramon established some forts and missions. He located a fort, 
ox presidio as the Spaniards call them, on San Pedro creek, three- 
fourths of a mile from the public square of the city of San 
Antonio. The name given to this presidio was San Antonio de 
Valero. In 17 18 the Franciscans established a mission at this 
place. It was removed on more than one occasion, and was 
located on what is now the Military plaza of San Antonio. From 
there it was removed, in 17 18, to its present site, the east bank of 
the San Antonio River, and is known as the church of the Alamo. 



•• 




MISSION CONCEPCION 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 3 

It received a supply of water by means of the Alamo ditch — 
Aceqida Madre del Alamo. The erection of the church was com- 
menced in 1716. It faces to the wes!:. There were other build- 
ings connected with the church. East of the church stood the 
Convent, 191 feet in length; it ran north to the south line of East 
Houston Street. There was an enclosure north of the Convent 
yard. There were houses attached to the mission, which had 
been inhabited. Outside of the mission were houses occupied, at 
one time by christianized Indians. They abandoned them wht n 
the Texians took possession of the Alamo. It was in these hotises 
that the Texians found eighty or ninety bushels of corn. The 
walls of the Alamo and the adjoining buildings were too exten- 
sive to be occupied and defended by 150 men. 

After the death of Moses Austin, his son, vStephen F. Austin, 
proceeded to carry into effect the introduction of settlers into 
Texas. 

Great attention to Texas has been drawn by the reports of 
men who had been engaged with officers who had entered Texas 
to aid the Mexicans in acheiving their independence. It was 
known that Mexico was encouraging emigration. When Austin 
visited the City of Mexico, he found a number of influential 
gentlemcii asking for permission to become empresarios, that is 
to become leaders of immigrants. They were oflfered, and, as a 
rule, receiving a grant of land for the introduction of each person. 
Austin succeeded, and began his settlements on the Brazos riv^er. 
Other gentlemen were also successful. The country began to fill 
up vvith settlers. It was full of Indians, who were opposed to 
the introduction of white people. They waged an incessant and 
cruel war upon the Texians, 

The leaders in Mexico became jealous of the accession of 
Americans as citizens. They evincec^ their opposition by acts of 
oppressiot\ The American settlers had sworn to obey and sup 
port the Mexican constitution of 1824. By several acts of Gen. 
Santa Anna indicating his intention to a.ssunie the dictatorial 
position the people of Texas became assured of his intention to 
overthrow the constitution of 1824. The people of Texas had 
given the Mexican government some very convinci?ig proofs of 
their intention not to submit to the exercise of any illegal and 
tyrannical acts against them. 

The government of the United States had proposed to pay 
,.he Mexican government $4,000,000 for Texas. This proposition 






4 ORIGIN AND FALL OF TIIF ALAMO 

angered the Mexicans and increased their antipathy to Texians. 
They began to prosecute them by sending troops, not to chastise 
Indians, but to check and punish Texians for their adhesion to 
correct and liberal principles. These military aiders of tyranny 
were expelled from Texas. One of these envo3's of a despotic 
president was an American by birth, Col. Bradburn. He robbed 
Texians, and made prisoners of William B. Travis, Patrick H. 
Jack and Monroe Edwards. The Texians embodied, elected Col. 
Francis W. Johnson to command. By their representation to 
Col. Piedras, commander at Nacogdoches, Col. Bradburn was 
removed from Texas. This event took place in 1S31. Bradburn 
was posted at Anahuac. On June 25th Capt. John Austin, at 
the head of sixty men, defeated lyt.-Col. Ugartechea, at Fort 
Velasco. He had 125 men. August 2, 1832, Col. James W. 
Bullock defeated Col. Piedras at Nacogdoches. These affairs 
took place while president Bustamente was in power in Mexico. 
The Texians took sides with Santa Anna at that time. He was 
beaten by Gen. Santa Anna, who succeeded to the presidency of 
Mexico. The people of Texas reposing confidence in Santa 
Anna declared for him. He had been one oi the heroes in the 
Mexican struggle for independence. He soon undeceived them; 
became dictator; overthrew the constitution of 1824, and issued 
an order for the disarming of the people — one man out of every 
five hundred was allowed to own a firelock. On May 16, 1833, 
Santa Anna took his seat as President of Mexico. At that date 
vStephen F. Austin was a prisoner in the City of Mexico. Austin 
had belonged to a convention to form a constitution for Texas. 
That body electedJVustin, W. H. Wharton and Miller to present 
to the President of Mexico a statement of affairs in Texas. It 
was written by David G. Burnet, afterwards President of Texas. 
Stephen F. Austin was the only person who visited Mexico. 
This was in March, 1833. Santa Anna, at that time, had retired 
from the Mexican capitol. He was scheming to eflfect the work 
he afterwards performed, that is, to be made President under 
the laws he dictated. He, after various trials to have Austin 
condemned by court, allowed him to return to Texas. He 
arrived in September, 1835. 

Col. Austin found the people of Texas in great excitement 
They had discovered that Santa Anna was unfriendly to them 
The municipalities of different sections had held public meetings, 
and announced their intention to support the Mexican' constitu- 



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■Ms. 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 5 

tion ot 1824. It must be remembered that the Indians had made 
war upon them, and they were compelled, as a measure of per- 
sonal safety, to carry arms at all times. Circumstances made them 
watchful and efficient soldiers. War was forced upon them; 
necessity caused them to bear arms; God had implanned in their 
natures the principal of honor and integrity; and practice had 
converted them into heroes in the cause of right. 

The Texians appealed to their fellov/ citizens of Mexico with- 
out eftect. They used every effort in their power to prove their 
disposition to be peaceful and useful citizens of the Republic of 
Mexico. It was all of no avail. In 1834 Santa Anna deter- 
mined to send 4,000 troops to San Antonio. Pie sent Col. Juan 
N. Almonte into Texas; as a spy, no doubt. On October 13, 
1834, the first revolutionary meeting in Texas was held at San 
Antonio. They approved the calling of a convention at that 
place to meet November 15. This motion was made by Don 
Erasmo Seguin. October 20th another meeting was held, at San 
Felipe. They proposed a dissolution of Texas from the State of 
Coahuila. 

In January, 1835 the Congress of Mexico met. The State of 
Zacetecas had declared tor the constitution of 1824. The Con- 
gress declared Zacetecas in a state of rebellion. This induced 
Gen. Santa Anna to head 3,400 men to march into Zacetecas. 
May 10, 1835, Don Francisco Garcia, at the head of 5,000 troops, 
was defeated by Santa Anna. The City of Zacetecas was deliv- 
ered to the Mexican soldiers, and was plundered for two days. 
The people of Texas now saw viiat they might expect from 
President Santa Anna. Gen. Cos, a brother-in-law of Santa 
Anna, v,?as ordered from Matainoros to Monclova to disperse the 
legislature of Coahuila, which he accomplished. 

Meantime the people were preparing to meet the coming war. 
The municipalities resolved to do their duty. In July, 1835, 
I,orenzo de Zavala, late governor ot the State and City of Mex- 
ico, arrived in Texas. He was made Minister to France, but 
fled from Santa Anna. The Texians formed committees of pub- 
lic safety. July 17, 1835, there was a meeting of representatives 
of the mufiicipalities of Austin, Columbia and Mina, held at San 
Felipe. They did some good. 

The Mexican forces were expected in October to aid in the 
thange of Government in Texas. Immigrants from the United 
States, since the law of April 6, 1830, were to be driven from the 

# #• 



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6 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

country. A long list of proscribed Texians had been prepared. 
They were to be arrested and tiied by a drum-head court. 
Slaves were to be treed. Empresarios dismissed— none but emi- 
grants from Mexico admitted. These were among the objects 
proposed to be accomplished. These intended changes spurred 
the Texians od to resistance. 

In 1835 the command of Capt. Tenorio, at Auahuac, were 
captured bv Col. Wm. B. Travis. The Texians of Columbus 
isi,ued a call for "a consultation of all Texas.,, It was dated 
Augnsi 20 1835. Col. Ugartecbea was removed from command, 
.It Goliad, by Gen. Cos; Col. Candelie took his place. He strip- 
ped Goliad of arms, forced the citizens to become soldiers, and 
ordered five soldiers to be quarted on each family. He placed 
the alcade in iail, and forced the adminisirador to hand over 
$.S,ooo under penalty ot going to San Antonio in two hours, on 
foot. Gen, Cos reached San Antonio late in September, 1835. 

In 1 83 1 a piece of artillery had been furnished the town of 
Gonzales by the commandant at San Antonio. Ugartechea. in 
San Antonio, in 1835, sent a messenger to demand the cannon. 
It was refused. Cos ordered Cap. Castonado to take one hundred 
men and secure the cannon. He reached Gonzales September 

29. 1835- 

During the interval the committee of safety had sent runners 
to procure men. The men came. They numbered 168. and 
elected John H. Moore, Colonel, and J. W. E. Wallace, Lt.-Col. 
The Texians crossed the river Guadalupe, and firing occurred— 
some Mexican" reported killed. Capt. Castonado retreated. 
This affair opened the revolution. • 

The Texians felt the importance of united action and prepara- 
tion. The comittee of safety agreed to send one of their num- 
ber from each municipality to San Felipe, for the purpose of 
procuring unity and concert in mea.sures. Of this R. R. Royall 
was chosen president. The people of San Augustine nominated 
Gen. Sam Houston to command her troops. Nacogdoches 
approved the suggestion. The money paid for land and custom- 
house dues was appropriated by the Texians. Efforts were 
made to secure arms and ammunition. The people were united. 
The spirit of '76 was in the ascendant. Less than, 100,000 in 
population, threw down the gauntlet to an organized government 
of 8,000,000. They knew the penalty of failure was death in all 
its horrible forms. 



w*' 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO 7 

The volunteers arrived daily at Gonzales. They made a pro- 
position to defer the meeting of the consultation till November 
ist. October 12th, five hundred men crossed the Guadalupe 
river, destined for San Antonio. The resolution had been 
formed to drive every Mexican soldier out of Texas. Stephen F. 
Austin arrived at Gonzales October loth. He was elected gen- 
eral. The fight at the Mission of Concepcion took place on 
October 28th. The Texians numbered ninety, the Mexicans 
several hundred. Victory perched on the banner of the revolu- 
tionists. 

The members of the consultation in the Texas army were 
permitted to proceed to San Felipe. The army besieged San An- 
tonio. Gen. Austin was appointed to visit the United States to 
procure men and means. His colleagues were Dr. Branch T. 
Archer and W H. Wharton. Edward Burle.son was elected to 
command. On December 10, 1835, Gen. Cos surrendered. 

The incidents of the siege of San Antonio are worthy of 
notice. It was reported in the Texian camp that Col. Ugartechea 
was on his way with reinforcements for Gen. Cos. h. force of 
Texians under Col. Bowie, with Deaf vSuiith as guide, was .sent 
onl to intercept Ugartechea Gen. Cos had sent men out to ob- 
tain a supply of grass for his horses, 'i'hey were on their return 
ar.d about five miles from the city they were discovered. When 
ihey were within a mile of town, the Texians under Bowie 
• harged tlitni, A fight ensued. The Mexicans were endeavor- 
ing to ;eacb their headquarters G-'ii. Cos detached reinforce- 
ments. Tlie main body of the Texas trnop^^ came up. They 
charged, ard the Mexicans continued to fight, though moving for 
town. Their loss was about fifty killed and a number wounded. 
The Tv.xians had none killed, two wounded and one missing. 
Tliey capttired about seventy head of horses. This affair is 
known a;^ the "Grass Fight.'' It occurred November 26, 1S35. 

Dr. Grant created trouble by advocating a champaign against 
Matamoras, Mexico. Two hundred and iifty were deluded into 
the belief that the Mexicans were ripe for driving Santa Anna 
out of Mexico. November 29th, Grant was reported to have 
two hundred and fifty men ready to march to the Rio Grande. 
The annexed happenings, no doubt, prevented Dr. Grant from 
dividing the Texas force. 

December 3d, 1835, Messrs. John W. Smith, Holmes and 
Samuel Maverick entered the Texas lines. They had been 






.^ 



■4lk 



S ORIGIN AND FALL OF THF ALAMO. 

detained by Gen, Cos since the affair at Gonzales. They reported 
the strength of the enemy as exaggerated. The idea of storming 
San Antonio has been suggested and advocated. It was popular 
Meantime, about the 4th of December, Arnold, the Texas 
guide had returned. Lieut. Vuavis, of the Mexican army, had 
deserted, and was examined by Gen. Burleson. He reported 
dissatisfaction in the Mexican camp, that the strength in the city 
was much less than supposed. On the evening of that d^y Col. 
Benjamin R. Milam cried aloud, "Who will go with old Ben 
Milam to San Antonic?" There was a general shout of appro- 
val. The parties advocating the scheme assembled at Gen. 
Burleson's headquarters. They fell into line, and at once elected 
Milam to lead them. He directed them to meet him at the old 
mill at night to complete arrangements. Gen. Burlhsou and the 
whole command said the matter met their approbation. At the 
mills the attacking party was formed in two divisions. The first 
under the immediate command of Col. Milam, assisted by Col. 
Nidland Franks of the artillery, and Maj. R. C Morris of the 
New Orleans Greys. Messrs Maverick, Cooke and Arnold acted 
as guides. The second column was commanded b^ Col. Frank 
W. Johnson, assisted by Cols. James Grant and Wm. T. Austin, 
with Deaf Smith and John W. Smith as guide ;. Gen. Burleson 
agreed to hold his position until the result of the attack was 
known. Col. J. C. Neill was directed to make a feint upon the 
Alamo to direct the attention of the enemy, while the others were 
entering the town. The attacking party consisted of three hun- 
dred and one men. The companies of Captains York, Dickin- 
son, English and Ward, composed the first division, under Col. 
Milam, commander. The companies of Captains Cooke, Breese, 
Peacock, Swisher and Kdwards, formed the second division under 
Col. Johnson. 

Col. Neill performed his part. He opened fire on the Alamo, 
and drew the attention of the enemy to that quarter. VVhe he 
heard the guns of Milam on the opposite side of the river he 
withdrew. Milam moved on Acequia street (Ditch Street). 
Johnson entered Soledad street (Solitary street). These two 
streets run nearly south on parallel Hues, and enter the Main 
square, the first at the northwest and the other at the northeast 
corner. At the.se points the enemy had erected works. Milanr'.'i 
division occupied de la Garza's house, Johnson the Veramendi 
house. Both these houses were about one hundred yards from 



-m 



m- 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO, q 

the Main square. The Veramendi house is still standing:.. The 
door on the street side show signs where balls passed through. 
On approaching the Veramendi house, a sentinel tired on the 
Texians. He was killed by Deaf Smith. Upon this, the Mexi- 
cans began a furious firing from the town and the Alamo. A 
twelve-pounder and a six-pounder accompanied the two divisions. 
The twelve-poimder was soon dismounted, and the six-pounde- 
made about useless The Texians covered themselves with difti- 
cultv. They soon opened fire with their rifles, and silenced all 
the artillery within their reach. The fight continued during the 
day. The Texians established communications between the two 
divisions. That day, the 5th of December, they lost one man 
killed and twelve wounded. Among the wounded were lyieuLs. 
Hall and Deaf Smith. 

During the night the enemy kept up a continuous fire, fhey 
placed men on tops of houses in their possession. They cut 
loop-holes in the parapet walls of the houses. 

On the 6th the Mexicans kept up a steady fire of cannon and 
small arms. On that day L,ieut. William McDonald of Capt. 
Crane's company captured a house to the right and a little in 
advance of de la Garza's house. Th^ extended the Texas line 
westwardly, and in direction of the Military Plaza. They 
strengthened their works and remounted their twelve-pounder. 
On this day they had five men vvounded. 

The morning of the third day the enemy fired briskly from a 
trench between the Alamo and the river. By 11 o'clock this fire 
was silenced, and that of some of the Mexican artillery. A 
house stood between the Garza house and the plaza buildings. 
This was entered be the gallant Karnes, crow-bai in hand, backed 
by the company of Capt. York. They held the position. In 
the evening the fire of the Mexicans was br^sk. Col. Milam 
was killed at the back of the Veramendi house. He was buried 
near where he fell. Capt, Swisher was present at the burial, and 
afterwards pointed out the exact spot. This was an incentive 
inducing Texians to strike for vengeance. 

Yoakum says: They immediately set on foot a party 10 take 
possession of the house of Antonio Navarro, situated on the 
north side of Main street, one block west of the Main plaza, 
but commanding a portion of the Military plaza, and the Mexi- 
can redoubt on the second block west of main square. The 
party consisted of portions of the companies of Captains I,lewy- 



*■ 



lo ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

Hen, English, Crane and York. They advanced from the house 
taken by Karnes, and forced an entrance. The enemy endeav- 
ored to retake it by firing through the loop-holes made in the 
roof ; but the Texians returned the fire through the same loop- 
holes, and drove them off. 

On the 8th of December the "Zambrano Row" was taken. 
The thick partition walls were penetrated by crow-bars. The 
fight was fierce and stubborn, but the enemy were finally expell- 
ed. Gen. Burleson sent a detachment under Lieut. Gill to assist 
the Texians. The Mexicans attempted a diversion by sending 
a detachment of about fifty men in the direction of the Texas 
camp. They were forced to retire by the fire of a six-pounder. 
The occupants of the Zambrano Row were reinforced by the 
companies of Captains Swisher, Alley, Edwards and Duncan. 
At this time the Texians had command of the northwesc portion 
of the enemy's main defenses. 

On December 8th, at night, a party of abou*^ one himdred 
Texians attacked the "Priest's House." It commanded the 
plaza. In approaching the building th'^ men wer-^ subjected to 
a heavy fire. They moved rapidly, broke down the wails of an 
out-building, and drove the Mexicans from the priest's house. 
The}' cut loop-holes, and prepared to use their rifles with effect 
when daylight appeared. The enera}' abandoned the square 
and retired to the Alamo. 

On the morning of December 9th Gen. Cos sent in a flag ot 
truce, proposing to surrender. Cos had been reinforced by five- 
hundred convict!;, conducted by Col. Ugartechea. They were 
chained and guarded by one hundred infantry. They were a 
source of trouble and disquietude. In addition, there was a 
derth of provisions. The force of Gen. Cos was estimated at 
3oo previous to the arrival of the "volunteers." After that his 
force consisted of 1,400 men. These he surrended, December 
loth, 1835. He pledged that he and his men were not to fight 
against the Texians, unless exchanged. He was allowed to pur- 
chase provisions. He begun iiis march to I^aredo on the 14th 
day of December, at the head of 1,105 troops. The balance were 
allowed to remain in obedience to terms of capitulation. The 
Mexican loss was about 150 killed. TheTexian loss very small. 
The disabled and sick Mexicans were allowed to remain, and 
were cared for by the victors. 

Col. Johnson, the leader of the attacking party after the fall 






m 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. zi 

of Col. Milam, remained in command at San Antonio for a short 
ivhile. He is now dead. 

Gen. Edward Burleson returned to his home. He was after- 
wards Vice-President of the Republic of Texas. He died in the 
year 1851. 

Samuel Maverick was a zeaious, useful, and efficient friend 
of Texas. He was an able citizen, and filled many places of 
trust. He died several years since. He had the good will, and 
possessed the confidence of his fellow citizens. 

The writer took account of the siege of San Antonio princi- 
pally from Yoakum's history. He had no time to consult other 
accounts. 

Mrs. Bradley deserves mention as one of the old-timed resi- 
dents of San Antonio. 

The consultation met November first. They consisted of 55 
members. They elected Sam Houston general in chief, Henry 
Smith governor and James W. Robinson lieutenant-governor of 
Texas. They left one member from each municipality to assist 
the governor in the discharge of his duties — about 15. These 
were not all present at. one time ; part of them went home, and 
returned. They differed with Gov. Smith ; quarreled with him ; 
assumed unqualified authority, and assumed to displace the 
governor from office, elected J. W, Robinson governor. All 
this was done without the sanction of law. These gentlemen 
were, no doubt, patriots. They appointed men to fill military 
offices, intending to invade Mexico. The Texians butchered at 
San Patricio, Refugio, and Goliad, resulted from the action of 
the opponents of Gov. Smith. Gen. Houston attempted tc con- 
centrate the army, but his orders were not obeyed. This trouble 
was the cause of the failure to send men to reinforce Travis at 
the Alamo. 

After the surrender of Gen. Cos many of the Texians return- 
ed to their homes. A garrison was left at San Antonio, under 
command of Col. Neill. Dr. Grant revived his project of a cam- 
paign against Matamoros. He illegally took possession of 
winter clothing, ammunition, provisions, and in addition induced 
a large number of the garrison to follow him. He seized private 
property, without authority. He left and proceeded to San 
Patricio, where outside the town he was attacked 1)y Gen. Urrea, 
and his party all killed.' His coadjutor, Col. Frank W. John- 
son was at San Patricio with men. They were surcrised. 



■m 



12 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

defeated and many of them killed. Gen. Urrea had moved 
from Matanioros. He destroyed the command of Col. Fan- 
nin. They surrendered as prisoners, and the main portion of 
them were afterwards shot, by order of Gen. Santa Anna, in 
violation of the rules of civilized warfare. The Alamo had pre- 
viously fallen. The number of soldiers who had been sacri6ced 
by the vaulting ambition of a few leaders, and the acts of a few 
members oi the consultation, amounted to nearly one thousand. 
These, if they had obeyed Gen. Houston's order to fall back, 
and concentrate, would have been able to meet Santa Anna on 
the outskirts of the settlements, beaten him, and secured peace. 

After Dr. Grant had stripped San Antonio of men and means 
there were left of the garrison 150 men. They had been poorly 
paid. Col. Neill haci received orders to burn the Alamo, destroy 
what he was unable to remove, and march to a designated place. 
He has never published his reason for disobedience cf orders, 
He left, it is averred, to procure transportation for the arms, and 
public property, in the city. Deaf Smith accompanied him, 
which was a deprivation to the men of the garrison. About this 
time Col. Travis arrived ; he brought about thirty men. He 
assumed command of the regulars. Col. Bowie commanded the 
volunteers. He had visited the different commands aiming to 
march tc Mexico, and endeavored to persuade them to desist, 
and to obey orders. He came to San Antonio ; it was his home. 
After the departure of Deaf Smith there was no one the Texians 
placed confidence in who could inform them of the approach of 
Gen. Santa Anna. He was expected, but no one knew when he 
would arrive. Co)- Seguin was in the employ of the Texians. 
He was afterward? in the battle of San Jacinto. He .sent a rela- 
tive to Laredo. He returned, and reported Gen. Santa Anna at 
Laredo, at the head of an army. The Texians would not believe 
him. 

Gen. Santa Anna proceeded up the Rio Grand to a point 
opposite Presido Rio Grande, to effect a junction with troops 
coming from the State of Cohuila. At Laredo he met the 
retiring troops of Gen. Cos. This command was forced to violate 
the terms of the surrender, and return to Texas. Santa Anna 
marched upon the road direct from Presidio Note to San Anto- 
nio. Prairie fires had destroyed the grass. Sergeant Becerra, of 
Santa Anna's army, afiirms that the members of a mounted 
regiment had to walk and lead their horses. The want of 



■« 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 13 

provender had rendered them unable to carrj^ a soldier. Gen. 
Santa Anna issued orders on the march, indicating his intention 
to treat Texians with the most relentless severity. When the 
Mexican command reached the Medina, Sergeant Becerra said 
Gen. Santa Anna was visited by a Mexican gentleman of San 
i!Vntonio, Seiior Navarro. The General asked questions about 
the Texians. He was informed there was a fandango in the 
city, and quite all the Texians were in attendance, no doubt. 
The General expressed an intention to move ai once, and sur- 
prise them. A very heavy rain had fallen recently. The 
Medina was quite full. The array had camped on both sides the 
stream. The ammunition wagons were on the south side, and 
could not be passed over with apparent safety. There was no 
boat with the Mexican command. In a conversation, Gen. 
Santa Anna is reported to have said.'^that the Mission of Con- 
cepcion was better calculated to be defended by a small party 
than the Alamo, and he anticipated the Texians would occupy it, 

February 23, 1836, the Mexican army, 4,000 strong, formed 
by the Desiderio hill. ATexian sentinel on the church, between 
Main and Military Plaza, reported a force in view. A man went 
up. The .sentinel said the force had been moved. A spirited 
altercation ensued. The report of the sentinel caused excite- 
ment. In order to arrive at the truth Col. Travis directed 
Dr, John Southerland and Mr. J. W. Smith to ride out and see. 
They proceeded to Desiderio hill, looked below, and saw an 
army drawn up, not far trom them. The)'^ retreated rapidly. 
Southerland' s horse moved badly. His feet seemed clogged with 
mud. He turned over, topsy-turvy, fell on Southerland, crippled 
him and broke his gun. He laid on Southerland till Smith 
alighted, and pulled him off. When they reached the public 
square the Texians were retiring to the Alamo. On their march 
they came upon a heard of cattle, twenty-five or thirty in number. 
Tliese were drove into the Alamo. 

Dr. Southerland wrote an account of the fall of the Alamo. 
i L is the nearest evidence of one of the noble defenders of the 
Alamo we have. The wounds he received from the fall of his 
horse rendered him incapable of bearing arms. He was employ- 
ed in the effort to procure reinforcements to the garrison of the 
Alamo. This will be noticed hereafter. According to Dr. South- 
erland Gen. Santa Anna sent a couple of officers, under a white 
flag. They were met by Major Morris and Captain Martin at a foot- 



-f 



-# 



i^. ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

bridge on the river, about where Commerce street crosses the 
San Antonio River. The Mexican officers demanded an uncon- 
ditional surrender, which was refused. As an answer, Col. 
Travis ordered a cannon to be fired at the part of town occupied 
by the Mexican troops. 

As stated by Sergeant Becerra, Gen. Santa Anna intended to 
cross the river below town, out of reach of the fire of the Texian 
artillery. To obtain wood for the construction of a bridge, he 
directed Gen. Castrillon to proceed with two companies of the 
Matamoros battalion to the neighborhood of the Alamo, and take 
wood from the houses. Gen. Castrillon endeavored^to obey the 
order. He reached the designated point, and was soon under 
the fire of the Texians. In a short while Castillon reported to 
Santa Anna, saying in substance . "If you wish any of the two 
companies of the battalion to remain alive you had better order 
them to retire at once." They were withdrawn. Within a few 
-.ninutes they had lost thirty men. Gen. Castrillon reported 
having met two ladies. The result of the annunciation was the 
performance of a mock marriage ceremony — Gen. Santa Anna as 
groom, and a beautiful Mexican woman as bride, and a rascally 
Mexican soldier as priest. 

Bacerra says: "Col. Mora was ordered to take possession 
north and east of the Alamo to prevent escape from the fort." — 
' 'A small fort was commenced above the Alamo. ' ' This was finish- 
ed, but was not approved by Gen. Santa Anna. Another fort was 
constructed by Gen. Amador, nearer the Alamo, on the hill to 
the northeast. The firing from the Alamo was kept up with spirt. 

The intention of Gen. Santa Anna was to take the Alamo by 
escalade. He brought 4,000 troops to Texas. He awaited the 
arrival of Gen. Tolas, in command ot 2,000 troops. He arrived 
on the 3rd day of March. The exultation and shouts of the 
Mexicans on that day induced Dr. Southerland to believe that 
S.mta Anna came on that date. 

Here the Doctor's estimate of the Texian force will be given: 

' The strength of the Texians at Bexar now considered of one 
hundred and fifty-two men. Eighty of these were a part of the 
original garrison, who had not caught the Matamoros fever; 
twenty-five had returned with Col. Bowie from GoHad. Col,. 
Travis had brought with him about twenty ; Col, Crockett 
twelve; Capt, Patteq dcven, These detachments, with their 
respective commands, make the number. A few days after their 






ORIGIN AND FALL OF THF ALAMO. ij 

concentration, some twenty Mexicans of the city joined them, 
increasing the number to one hundred and seventy-two." 

Counting the commanders of these bodies and the twenty 
Mexicans increases the number to 192. The idea suggesting 
Itself to any sensible man would be, what did Gen. Santa Anna 
wai' fc- Gen. Tolsa for? He had 4,000 men. Was he doubtful 
of attacking less than aoo men ? An expressive compliment to 
the bravery of the soldiers of Texas. Texas had not paid them. 
They had not been supplied with medicine, until Dr. Southerland 
had been appointed surgeon. They had nothing to eat but beef 
and corn bread, These supplies were obtained by accident, as 
has been seen. There was a spirit in these men that no earthly 
power could conquer. Death could visit the body. The heroic 
resolution passed hence with the soul to another world, unchanged 
and unchangeable, Thi love of liberty, the determination to 
maintain it, is a gift from God. In the garrison of the Alamo it 
ruled. 

On the 24th of February Col. Travis wrote an appeal to the 
people of Texas : 

•'CoMMANDCy OP THK Alamo, Bexar, February 24, 1836. 

"Fellow-Citizens and Compatriots : I am besieged by a 
thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have 
sustained a continued bombardment for twenty-four hours, and 
have not lost a man. The enemy have demanded a surrender at 
discretion; otherwise the garrison is to be put to the sword if the 
place is taken. I have answered the summons with a cannon shot, 
and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. / s/ia// never 
surrender Of retreat. Then I call on you in the name of liberty, 
of patriotism, and of everything dear to the American character, 
to come to our aid with all dispatch. The enemy are receiviirj; 
reinforcements daily, and will no doubt increase to three or four 
thousand in four or five days. Though this call may be neg- 
lected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible, 
and die like a soldier who forgets not what is due to his own 
honor and that of his country. Victory or death ! 

"W. Barret Travis, 
^'Lieutenant- Colonel Comnia?iding.** 

P. S. — The Lord is on our side. When the enemy appeared 
in sight, we had not three bushels of corn. We have since found 
in deserted houses, eighty or ninety bushels, and got into the 
walls twenty or thirty head of beeves. "T."' 



^ — — — ^ ^ 

1 6 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

Col. Travis was unapprised of Santa Anna's number of 
soldiers. He spoke of what he had seen. Why was his appeal 
not answered by the appearance of reinforcements ? The reason 
is obvious — the trouble between the governor and the committee 
raised to assist him. This committee had forwarded the forces of 
Texas to Goliad and San Patricio. They had as far as they 
could superseded Gen. Houston as commander-in-chief. At the 
same time they named no one to take his place. Col. Fannin 
and Col. John.son each expected to be commander of the army to 
invade Mexico. Had they united their forces they could have 
defeated the force under Gen. Urrea. He defeated them in detail, 
Gov. Smith, to whom Gen. Houston remained faithful; after his 
trouble with the committee, granted the General a furlong 
till March ist. The people of Texas were uncertain what they 
should do. They did little during the period, and the Alamo 
fell. 

Col. Travis wrote to Col. Fannin, February 23rd, asking him 
to come to his relief. Fanning failed from want of transportion. 
Gen. Santa Anna was notified of Fannin's effort to reinforce 
Travis. On the 29th of February he dispatched Gen. Sesma, 
with a force, to meet Fannin. The return of Fannin to Goliad 
preventing him meeting Gen. Sesma. 

Dr. Sutherland and John W. Smith were sent to procure 
reinforcements for Col. Travis. They visited Gonzales. There 
they obtained thirty-two recruits. These they conducted to the 
neighborhood of San Antonio. Smith conducted them to the 
Alamo, March ist. Sutherland, still unable to perform military 
service, remained 5utside. 

The fighting continued without abatement. On the 3rd of 
March Col. Travis made his last appeal for help to the President 
of the Convention, which convened at Washington, on the ist of 
the month. Among expressions used were the following : "The 
blood-red banners which waved on the church at Bexar, and the 
camp above him, were tokens that the war was one of vengeance 
against rebels.'* To a friend in Washington he wrote: "Take 
care of my little boy. If the country should be saved, I may 
make him a splendid fortune ; but if the country should be lost, 
and I perish, he will have nothing but the proud recollection 
that he is a son of a man who died for his country." 

William Corner wrote a history of San Antonio in which is 
published Sidney I^anier's Historical Sketch. He noticed the 

m 



r>. 



I'Y 'ilT n--n,--,iiftriniiT JMaiMi— — MMjaajB— iMCJMaih^ 



■m 



ORIGIN AhW FALL OF THE ALAMO. i 7 

withdrawal of the Mexican troops from the Alamo, March 3rd. 
The following is given as incidents of the day : 

About two hours before sunset on the third of March, 1836, 
the l)ombardinent suddenly ceased, and the enemy withdrew an 
unusual distance. * * * Col. Travis collected all his effec- 
tive men in a single file, and taking his position in front of the 
center, he stood for some moments apparently speechless from 
emotion; then nerving himself for the occasion, he addressed them 
substantially as follows : 

"My companions: Stern necessity compels me to employ 
the few moments afforded by this probably brief cessation con- 
flict, in making known the most interesting, yet the most solemn, 
melancholy and yet welcome fact that humanity can realize. 
* * * Our fate is sealed. Within a few days, perhaps a very 
few hours, we must be in eternity! I have deceived you long by 
the promise or help; but I crave your pardon, hoping that after 
hearing my explanation you will not only regard my conduct as 
pardonable, but heartly sympathize with me in my extreme 
necessity. * :^ ^ j have continually received the strongest 
assurance of help from home. Every letter from the council, 
and every one that I have seen from individuals at home, have 
teemed with assurance that our people were willing, read}' and 
anxious to come to our relief. * * * These assistances I re- 
ceived as facta. * * * In the honest and simple confidence 
of my heart I have transmitted you these promises of help and my 
confident hope of success. But the promised help has not come, 
and our hopes are not to be realized. I have evidently confided 
to much in the promises of our friends; but let us not be in haste 
to censure them. * * * Our friends were evidently not 
informed to our perilous condition in time to save us. Doubtless 
they would have been here by the time they expected any con- 
siderable force of the enemy. 

" 'My calls on Col. Fannin remain unanswered, and ray mes- 
sengers have not returned. The probabilities are that his whole 
command has fallen into the hands of the enemy, or been cut to 
pieces, and that our couriers have been cut off.' [So does this 
brave simple soul refuse to feel any bitterness in the hour of 
death.] 'Then we must die. * * * Our business is not to 
make a fruitless effort to save our lives, but to choose the manner 
of our death. But three modes are presented to us; let us choo.se 
that by which we may best serve our country. Shall we sur- 






■KMSaaUiA&^Ki 



IS ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO, 

render, and be deliberately shot without taking the life of a single 
enemy? Shall we try to cut our way out through the Mexican 
ranks, and be butchered before we can kill twenty of our adver- 
saries ? I am opposed to either method. * * * i^et us 
resolve to withstand our enemies to the last, and at each advance 
to kill as many of them as possible. And when at last they shall 
storm our fortress, let us kill them as they come ! Kill them as 
they scale our walls ! Kill them as they leap within ! Kill them 
as they raise their weapons, and as they use them ! Kill them as 
they kill our companions ! and continue to kill them as long as 
one of us shall remain alive ! * * * But leave every man 
to his own choice. Should any man prefer to surrender * ♦ 
or an attempt to escape * * * he is at liberty to do so. My 
own choice is to stay in the fort and die- for my country, fighting 
as long as breath shall remain in my body. This will I do even 
if you leave me alone. Do as you think best; but no man can 
die with me without affording me comfort in the hour of death.' 
"Col. Travis then drew his sword, and with the point traced 
a line upon the ground extending from the right to the left of the 
file. Then resuming his position in front of the centre, he said : 
* I now want every man who is determined to stay here and die 
with me to come across that line. Who will be the first? March.' 
The first respondent was Tapley Holland, who leaped the. line at 
a bound, exclaiming, 'I am ready to die for my country.' His 
example was instantly followed by every man in the file, with 

exception of Rose . Every sick man that could walk, 

arose from his bunk, and tottered across the line. Col. Bowie, 
who could not leave his bed, said : 'Boys, I am not able to come 
to you, but I wish some of you would be so kind as to move 
my cot over there.' Four men instantly ran to the cot, and each 
lifting a corner carried it over. Then every sick man that could 
not walk made the same request, and had his bunk moved in 
the same way. 

"Rose was deeply affected, but differently from his compan- 
ions. He stood till every man but himself had crossed the line. 
He sank upon the ground, covered his face and yieled to his 
own reflections. ^^ ^- * A bright idea came to his relief; he 
spoke the Mexican dialect very fluently, and could he once get 
out of the fort, he might easily pass for a Mexican and effect his 
escape. He directed a searching glance at the cot of Col. Bowie. 
Col. David Crockett was leaning over the cot, conversing with 






■m 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 19 

its occupant in an undertone. After a few] seconds Bowie looked 
at Rose and said : 'You seem not to be willing to die with us, 
Rose.' 'No,' said Rose, 'I am not prepared to die, and shall 
not do so if I can avoid it.' Then Crockett also looked at him, 
and said : 'You may as well conclude to die with us, old man, 
for escape is impossible.' Rose made no reply, but looked at the 
top of the wall. 'I have often done worse than climb that 
wall,' thought he. Suiting the action to the thought, he 
sprang up, seized his wallet of unwashed clothes, and ascended 
the wall. Standing on its top, he looked down within to take a 
last view of his dying friends. They were all now in motion, 
but what they were doing he heeded not; overpowered by his 
feelings, he looked away, and saw them no more. * * * He 
threw down his wallet, and leaped after it. * * * He took 
the road which led down the river, around a bend to the ford, 
and through the town by the church. He waded the river at the 
ford, and palled through the town. He saw no person, * * * 
but the doors were all closed, and San Antonio appeared as a 
deserted city. 

After passing through the town, he turned down the river. 
A stillness as death prevailed. When he had gone about a 
quarter of a mile below the town, his; ears were saluted by the 
thunder of the bombardment, which was then renewed. That 
thunder continued to remind him that his friends were true to 
their cause, by a continued roar, with^ but slight intervals, until 
a little before sunrise on the morning of the 6th when it ceased, 
and he heard it no more." 

Rose Stopped at the house of Zuberr. His account of the inci- 
dents of March 3d was published in the Texas Almanac of 1873. 
Mr. W. P. and Mary Ann Zuber are responsible for its authen- 
ticity as coming from Rose. They affirm that Rose proceeded to 
Nacogdoches county. 

After the arrival of Gen. Tolza there was, as previously stat- 
ed, a suspension of operations for a time. The intentions of Gen. 
Santa Anna seems to^^have been to allow no cessation of attack, 
and to allow the small garrison of Texians no time to sleep. 
They were overworked, worn down, almost asleep when firing, 

Seargeant Becerra thus describes the preparations for a final 
assault: "On the 3d of March Gen. Tolza arrived. The greatest 
activity prevailed in every departniient. The plan of assault was 
formed and communicated to the commanders of corps, and 






?!?■ 



II I I' r" li— ——■—<■ II I I I f I III ■■■^■■«<iM^«ii»wU»*«3aMMM<fc»«iM«I^M 

20 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

others, on the 5th. On the same day ammunition, scaling 
ladders, etc. , were distributed. Everything was made ready for 
the storming. During the night troops were placed in position. 
About three o'clock on the morning of the 6th the battalion 
Matamoros was marched to a point near the river, and about the 
Alamo. In their rear were two thousand men under Gen. Cos. 
Gen. Castrillon commanded this part of the army. Gen. Tolza's 
command held the ground below the Alamo. Gen. Santa Anna 
spent the night in the work near the Alamo. The troops were 
to march to the attack when the bugle at headquarters sounded 
the advance. * * * The bugle was sounded at 4 o'clock a. 
m., march 6, 1836. 

"The troops of Gen. Castrillon moved in silence. They 
reached the fort, planted scaling ladders, and commenced ascend- 
ing, some mounted on the shoulders of others. A terrible fire 
bleached from the interior. Men fell from the scaling ladders by 
the score, many pierced through the head by balls, others felled 
by clubbed guns. The dead and wounded covered the ground. 
After half an hour of fierce conflict, after the sacrifice of many 
lives, the column of Gen. Castrillon succeded in making a lodge- 
ment in the upper part of the Alamo to the northeast. It was a 
sort of outwork. I think it is now used as a lot or a courtyard. 
This seeming advantage was a mere perlude to the desperate 
stiuggle which ensued. The doors of the Alamo building were 
barricaded by bags of sand as high as the neck of a man; the 
windows also. On top of the roofs of the difierent apartments 
were rows of sand bags to cover the besieged, 

"Our troops, inspired by success, continued the attack with 
energy and boldness. The Texians fought like devils. It was 
at short range — muzzl'£ to muzzle, hand to hand musket and 
rifle, bayonet and bojwie knife — all were mingled in confusion. 
Here a squad of Mexicans, here a Texian or two. The crush of 
firearms, the shouts of defiance, the cries of the dying and 
wounded, made a din almost infernal. The Texians defended 
desperately every incih of the fort — overpowered by numbers they 
would be forced to abandon a room. They would rally in the 
next, and defend it until further- resistance became impossible. 

"Gen. Tolza's command forced an entrance at the door of the 
church building. lie met the same determined resistance with- 
out and within. H-e won by force of numbers and great sacri- 
fice of life. 



m 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 21 

"There was a long room on the ground floor. It was dark- 
ened. Here the fight was bloody. It proved to be the hospital, 
A detachment of which I had command had captured a piece of 
artillery. It was placed near the door of the hospital, doubly 
charged with grape and canister, and fired twice. We entered 
and found the corpses of fifteen Texians. On the outside we 
afterwards found forty -two dead Mexicans. 

"On the top of the church building I saw eleven Texians. 
They had some small pieces of artillery and were firing on the 
cavalry and on those engaged in making the escalade. Their 
ammunition was exausted, and they were loading with pieces of 
iron and nails. The captured piece was placed in a position to 
reach them, doubly charged, and fired with so much effect that 
they ceased working their pieces." 

Sergeant Becerra was of opinion that the last two men killed 
were Travis and Col. Crockett, though he admitted he did not 
know them personally, and might be mistaken as to their identity. 

"The Alamo, as has been stated, was entered at daylight ; 
the fight did not cease 'till 9 o'clock. * * ^ 

Gen. Santa Anna directed Col. Mora to send out his cavalry 
to bring in wood." This was done. The bodies of the heroic 
Texians were buried. Their remains became offensive. They 
were afterwards collected and buried by Col. Juan N. Seguin, 

Sergeant Becerra said : 

"There was an order to gather our own dead and wounded. 
It was a fearful sight. Our lifeless soldiers covered the ground 
surrounding the Alamo. They were heaped inside the fortress. 
Blood and brains covered the earth and the floors, and had spat- 
tered the walls. The gastly faces of our comrades met our gaze, 
and we removed them with despondent hearts. Our loss in front 
of the Alamo was represented at two thousand killed, and more 
than three hundred wounded. The killed were generally struck 
on the head. The wounds were in the neck, or shoulder, seldom 
below that. The firing of the besieged was fearfully precise 
When a Texas rifle was leveled on a Mexican he was considered 
as good as dead. All this indicated the dauntleness bravery and 
the cool self-possession of the men who were engaged in a hope- 
less conflict with an enemy numbering more than twenty to one. 
They inflicted on us a loss ten times greater than they sustained. 
The victory of the Alamo was dearly bought. Indeed, the price 
in the end was well-nigh the ruin of Mexico." 

# 



22 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

The number ot Texas dead at the Alamo was never accurately 
ascertained. It included the whole number of the volunteers 
besieged. The number of Mexicans taking .service with the 
Texans was stated at twentj^ or twenty-five. The.se were, many 
of them, sent out on various occasions by Col. Travis. When 
divested of their arms, it was no difficult matter to pass the Mexi- 
cans on guard without much scrutiny. Mrs. Candelaria, Col. 
Bowie's nurse, gives the names of, four Mexicans who were alive 
when the Alamo fell, or were killed fighting. Mrs. Alsbury, in 
her statement, mentions the killing of one Mexican after the 
Mexicans entered the Alamo. The Texians loss in the siege is 
not positively known. It was certainly less than two hundred. 

Dr. Sutherland endeavored to learn the exact loss of the 
Mexicans at San Antonio. He says: 

"The messenger who was sent by the Navarro family, at San 
Antonio, to Col. Seguin, at Gonzales, four days after the fall, 
reported the enemy's loss to have been about fifteen hundred." 
Dr. Sutherland visited Gen. Santa Anna after he was made pris- 
oner at San Jacinto. He questioned Gen. Santa Anna's private 
secretary as to the number of men in the army at San Antonio, 
and the number killed in the operations. His reply, as stated by 
Dr. Sutherland, was, "we brought to San Antonio five thousand 
men, and lost during the siege fifteen hundred and forty-four of 
the best of them. The Texians fought more like devils than 
men." Santa Anna and Almonte were both present at the time, 
and, if the statement had deviated far from the truth, for it cer- 
tainly derogated from their soldierly (qualifications) for them to 
have denied it, without scrupling to question the veracity of their 
fellow (prisoner)." That answer was, no doubt, made by Ramon 
Martinez Coro, who signed the order for the attack on the Alamo 
March 6th. The gentleman acting as interpreter was Capt. 
Patten. Gen. Santa Anna and Col. Almonte were both present, 
and neither of them denied the allegation. Almonte was edu- 
cated in the United States, and .spoke English fl'.iently. 

Dr. Sutherland observes: "Ruiz says it was estimated at 
1, 600," speaking of the Mexican loss. Again speaking of one 
charge made by the Toluca battalion, he says: "They com- 
menced to scale the walls and suffered severely. Out of 80c tncE 
130 only were left alive." Dr. Sutherland argues that 670 were 
killed out of 800 men; 1,600 slain in all wouM be no exagera- | 
tion. The writer came to Texas in 1836. There were thea vs. | 




MISSION SAN JOSE. 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 23 

San Augustine county Mexicans who mece made prisoners at San 
Jacinto. They represented the Mexican loss at the Alamo at 
2,500. They may have meant the killed and wounded. 

Before referring to matters pertaining to Texians, the order of 
Gen. Santa Anna to attack the Alamo, by scaling the walls, will 
be given. It may show that Sergeant Becerra's memory was 
defective in some particulars, but is more a corroboration of his 
version than a denial. 

"GENERAL ORDERS." 

[For the private information of Generals of Division and Corps 
Commanders.] 

"As it becomes necessary to make a decisive movement against 
the enemy defending the fortress of the Alamo, His Excellency, 
the General-in-Chief, directs that by four o'clock on to-morrow 
morning the attacking columns shall be stationed within gunshot 
of their first line of intrenchments, for the purpose of making the 
assault, upon the signal to be given by his Excellency, which 
will be the sounding of the bugle from the north battery. 

"The first column will be commanded by Gen. Don Martin 
Perfecto de Cos, and in his default, by me, (the Commander-in- 
Cliiet). This column will be composed of the Aldamas battalion 
of regulars, with the exception of the company of Grenadiers, and 
the thre« first companies of the volunteer battalion of San Luis. 

"The second column will be commanded by Gen. Don Fran- 
cisco Duque, and in his default, by Gen. Don Manuel F'ernando 
Castrillon. This column will be composed of the three remain- 
ing companies of the San Luis battalion of volunteers. 

"The third column will be commanded by Col. Don Jose 
Maria Romero, and in his default, by Col. Don Mariano Salas. 
This column will be composed of the infantry companies, in full 
force, of the Matamoras and Jimenes battalions of regulars. 

"The fourth column will be commanded by Col. Don Juan 
Morelos, and in his default, by Col. Don Jose Minon. This 
column will be composed of the cavalry companies of the Mata- 
raoros and Jimenes battalions of regulars, and the San Luis 
battalion of volunteers. 

"The General-in-Chief will, at the proper time, designate the 
points against which the attacking columns will operate, at which 
time commanding officers will also receive their orders. 

^_ ^ ^ 1 



24. ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

"The reserve will be composed of the battalion of Sappers 
and Miners, and the five companies of the Grenadiers of the 
Matamoros, Jimenes and Aldamas battalions of regalaxs, and of 
the Toluca and San Luis battalions of volunteers. 

"The reserve will be commanded by the General-in-Chief in 
person, at the time of making the attack, but these forces will be 
organized by Col. Don Agustin Amat, under whose control they 
will remain from this evening, and who will conduct them to the 
point which will be designated to him at the proper time. 

"The first column will be provided with ten scaling ladders, 
two crow-bars and two axes; the^^econd will be provided with the 
same quantity; the third with six, and the fourth with two. The 
raen carrying the ladders will sling their guns over their shoul- 
ders, so as to leave them entirely free to place their ladders 
wherever rhey may be directed. 

"Grenadier and cavalry companies will be supplied with six 
packages of cartridges to the man, and to the infantry companies 
four with two extra flints. The latter will be encumbered with 
neither^overcoats, blankets nor anything which will impede the 
rapidity of their movements. During the day all caps will be 
provided with chin straps. Corps commanders will pay particular 
attention to this provision, and are also required to see that the 
men are provided with shoes, or other covering for their feet. 

"The men composing the attacking column will retire to rest 
at sundown, preparatory to moving at midnight. 

"The men not well drilled will remain at their quarters. 

"Arms, particularly bayonets, will be put in the best condition. 

"When the moon rises the riflemen of the San L,uis battalion 
of voluntee'-s will retire to their quarters, abandoning the points 
they cover along the line, so as to give them time ito put their 
equipage in readiness. 

"The cavalry, under the command of Gen. Don Joaquin 
Ramirezy y Sesma, will occupy the Alameda, and sadile up at 
3 o'clock in the morning. It will be their duty to watch the 
camp, and prevent the escape of anyone who may attempt to do 
so. 

"The honor of the nation, and of the army, being involved in 
this contest against the daring foreigners in our front, His Excel- 
lency, the General-in-Chief, expects that each man will perform 
his duty, and contribute his share in securing a. day of glory to 



•m 



#- 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 25 

his country, and of honor to the Federal Government, which 
knows how to honor the brave men of the army of operations who 
shall distinguish themselves by performing leats of valor. 

"Juan Valentink Amador." 

"I certify the foregoing to be a true copy 

"Ramon Martlnes Coro, Secretary." 

"A correct translation. David G. Whiting, 

"Translator General Land Office. ' 

N. B. — This order, Becerra said, was issued March 5, 1836, 
and copied next day. 

This was the order given by the President of Mexico, and 
commander of her armies, to six thousand Mexicans, the elite of 
the Mexican army, who had been besieging less than two hun- 
dred Texians for thirteen days. It speaks for itself. 

On March 7th Gen. Santa Anna issued a "Proclamation," in 
which he speaks of the immolation of the Texians as a matter of 
justice, and argues that the "Army of Operations" has been 
marched into Texas for the performance of such deeds. 



REMARKS. 



Col. Bowie had been ordered by Gen, Houston tc proceed to 
Goliad and adjacent points, and comer with officers in command. 
Gen. Houston's intention^: were to mthdraw the Texian forces 
from advanced positions and concentrate them, with the object 
of meeting and defeating the Mexican airay of invasion which 
was believed to be advancing upon Texas After the performance 
ot that duty he proceeded to San Antonio, where he resided. On 
the nth or 12th of February, 1836, Col Neill left San Antonio, 
accompani 'd by Deaf Smith. William Barrett. Travis, I,ieutenant 
Cf^lonel of the regular army of Texp--, whs deputed to the com- 
mand. The volunteers on duty at San Antonio objected to be 
commanded by a regolai officer. Col. Travis, with a sincere 
desire to promote the public ifood, ordered an election. Col. 
Bowie was the choice of the men. 



m — 



m 

26 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

On February 14th a general report was made to Gov. Smith, 
which concludes as follows: "By an understanding of to-day, 
Coi. J. Bowie has command of the volunteers and Col. W. B. 
Travis of the regulars and volunteer cavalry, A!l general orders 
and correspondence will be. henceforth, signed by both until Col. 
Neill's return, , James Bowik, 

''W Barrktt Travis, Commander of Volunteers. " 

"CoiTiinander of Cavalry." 

[Cnl. Seth Shepard's oration on thc^ "Fall of the Alamo,'* San 
Marcos, July 8th, 1889.] 

James Butler Bonham had been a schoolmate of Col. Travis; 
he was one of the messengers sent to Col. Fannin by Col. Travis, 
asking for help. After the performance of that duty he delayed 
returning to the Alamo until March 3rd. According to Hon. 
Seth Shephard, Bonham declined tc remain outside San Antonio. 
He affirmed: "I will report the result of my mission to Travis, 
or die in the attempt" "Mounted on a cream colored horse, 
with a white handkerchief floating from his hat — a signal pre- 
viously arranged with Travis — he dashed through the Mexican 
lines amid a shower of bullets, and entered unharmed, the gates 
which were thrown open to receive him. Unable to save his 
comrades, he was determined to die with them.'" 

Col. Bowie fell sick in the early part of the siege. Mrs. Can- 
delaria was his attendant. He died wdth untaltering courage. 
A Mexican gentleman told Mrs, Sam Maverick that his body was 
hoi.-red on Mexican bayonets until a Mexican officer ordered them 
to desist. 

Mrs. Dr. ALsbury and her little sister were in the Alamo when 
it fell. A Mexican defender of the'Alamo was bayonetted while 
Clinging to her for help, and to avoid death. She was carried off 
by the brother of her first husband. Her son. then small, is yet 
iri San Antonio. 

Mrs. Dickinson was allowed to leave the town. Her "young 
child, afterwards styled "The Daughter of the Alamo," was her 
companion. They are botb dead. 

Dr Sutherland tells us something of Col. Crockett: "Coi. 
David Crockett arrived, * * =«= with twelve others, direct 
from Tennessee. Crockett was immediately offered a command 
by Col. Travis, and called upon by the crowd for a speech. The 
former honor he would not accept; but mounted a goods-box on 
the civil plaza, amid prolonged cheers of the people. The 

W " ■' • ' -'^^ ^ ^' - ■ '^"'■' ■ ■ '■ ^— ?— ^ — ^ 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE Al.AMO. 27 

applause, however, was followed by profound silence, when the 
full-toned voice of the distinguished speaker rose gradually above 
the audience and fell smooth and lively upon the ears of all; its 
sotind was familiar to many who had heaid it in days past, while 
the hearts of ail beat a lively response to tbe patriotic sentiments 
which fell from his lips. Frequent applause greeted him, a^s he 
related in his own peculiar stvle, some of those jolly anecdotes 
with which he often regaled his friends, and which he only 
could tell with appropriate grace. He alluded frequently to his 
past career, and dunng the course of his remarks stated that not 
If-tig since lie had been a candidate for Congress in his native 
district, and tnat during the canvass he told his constHuants that 

'if they did not elect him, they might all go to h , and he 

would go to Texas. ^ After which he coiicluded, is substance, as 
follows; 'And fellow citizens I am among you. I have come to 
yout country, though I hope not with any selfish motive what- 
ever. I have come to aid you all that I can in your noble cause. 
I shall identify myself with your interests, and all the honor that 
I desiie is that of defending as a high private, in common with 
tuy fellow citizens, the liberties of our common country." 

As long as liberty has a follower the names of Crockett and 
the olli;."r defenders of the Alamo will have an admirer. Their 
unse.fi Vh and undaunted heroism confers upon them the immor- 
tal re.i^cmbrdii ce of the lovers of freedom. The affair of the 
.V.amo caused intense excitement in the United S^^ates, in fact, 
througnout the civilized world. An Englishman, named Nagle, 
had the honor of originating the "Monument P>ected to the 
Heroes '>f the Alamo." It stood at the entrance of the Capitol 
iit Au.'tin. This building was burned in 1880, and the monu- 
m'irt sufferer] injury. On the top of each front were the names 
of Travis, Bowie, Crockett and Bonham. The inscription on the 
north front was: "'^o The God Of The Fearless And The Free Is 
Dedicated This Aitar Of The ALAMO." On tne west front: 
"Blood >f Heroes Hath Stained Me. Let The Stones Of The 
At^mo Speak, Thai Their IMMOLATION Be Xot FOR- 
GOTTFN " On the south front: -Be They Knrobeo With 
I EONkOAS In The Host Of The Mighty Dead." On the east 
front: "TotrmopyUe Had Ker Mess-.nger O' DFFEA T. Bu*. The 
ALAMO Had NOrE." 

Mrs, Maverick and Mrs. Canterbury, ai iha* tinie M-s. Wilson 
I. Riddle, boti: were ac(iuainted with Mr. Nagle, and speak 

. ^-- # 



# " * 

28 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO, 

kindly of him. He received from the Legislature of Texas a 
small consideration for the monument, and is since dead. His 
memory should be honored by every friend of Texas, 

Sergeant Becerra was made a prisoner at San Jacinto. In the 
war between Mexico and the United States he was in the service 
of the latter. When he died he was a Mexican veteran of the 
United States. 

Col. Travis' son was a member of the Legislature of Texas. 
He was a captain in the regular army of the United States, and 
belonged to the regiment -iommanded by Col. Sidney Johnson. 
He had a daughter also. She was living some years ago. 

After the fall of the Alamo there were thirty-three wives left 
widows in Gonzales, 

Mr, J, W. Smith was highly respected by the Texians. He 
died while a member of Congress, at Washington, on the Brazos 
river. He is worthy of consideration as one of the tried and true 
friends of Texas in her days of peril. 

Dr. Sutherland lived many years after the revolution of 1836. 
He was honored by all as one of the able and trusted men who 
served his country with zeal and fidelity when her cause appeared 
almost hopeless. He died full of years and full of honors. 

Mrs. Candelaria is still living. She claims to be over one 
hundred years of age. The state of Texas has granted her a 
pension. 

However, want of space prevents the mention of many who 
performed important services to Texas in the days of trial and 
adversity. 

Capt. Reuben M. Potter, U. S, A,, retired, was an efl&cient 
friend of the Republic of Texas. In the days of gloom he wrote 
tne "Hymn of the Alamo," and predicted the success of her 
cause, which is herewith presented: 

"Rise! man the wall — our clarion's blast 

Now sounds its final reveille — 
This dawning morn must be the last 

Our fated band shall ever see. 
To life, but not to hope, farewell; 

Your trumpet's clang, and cannon's peal, 
And storming shout, and clash of steel 

Is ours, but not our country's knell. 
Welcome the Spartan's death — 

'Tis no despairing stife — 
We fall — we die — but our expiring breath 

Is freedom's breath of life. 

# 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO, 29 

'•Here on this new Thermopylae < 

Our monument shall tower on high, 
And 'Alamo' hereafter be 

On bloodier fields the battle cry.* 
Thus Travis from the rampart cried. 

And when his warriors saw the foe 
Like whelming billows move below. 

At once each dauntless heart replied: 
'Welcome the Spartan's death — 

'Tis no desparing strife — 
We fall- we die — but our expiring breath 

Is freedom's breath of life!" 

"They come — like autumn leaves they fall, 

Yet hordes on hordes they onward rush; 
"With gory tramp they mount the wall. 

Till numbers the defenders crush. 
The last was felled— -the fight to gain^ 

Well may the ruffians quake to tell 
How Travis and his hundred fell 

Amid a thousand foremen slain. 
They died the Spartan's death, 

But not in hopeless strife; 
Like brothers died — and their expiring breath 

Was freedom's breath of life." 

The convention of Texas met at Washington on the Brazos, 
March ist, 1836. On the second day of that month they issued 
a declaration of independence They formed a constitution; 
elected David G. Burnet provisional president, Lorenzo de Zavala 
vice-president. They also pronounced Sam Houston general-in- 
chief of the Texas army. President Burnet appointed the follow- 
ing gentlemen as his cabinet: 

Samuel P. Carson Secretary of State. 

Bailey Hardeman Secretary of the Treasury. 

Thomas J. Rusk Secretary of War. 

Robert Potter Secretary of the Navy. 

David Thomas Attorney General. 

They adjourned, and many of the members proceeded at once 
to the Texas army. 

On the 2ist day of April, 1836, the battle of San Jacinto was 
fought. Gen. Lopez de Santa Anna, president of Mexico, and 
commander-in-chief of her army, was made a prisoner of war. 
He recognized the independence of Texas. The balance of the 
Mexican army, in accordance with its stipulations, was permitted 
to march out of Texas unmolested. Mexico received the benefits 
of the treaty, and according to the laws of nations could not go 
back on that agreement, inuring to her benefit. Texas became 
sovereign, free and independent by reason of that treaty. 



■« 



^«5 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 



SAN ANTONIO EVENTS. 

In the papers preserved at San Antonio is an account of a 
visit to the place of LaFitte, the celebrated pirate. He was 
placed in confinement, and afterwards liberated. Gen. X. B. 
Debray translated the document. The general published the 
account several years since. 

Below are given some notices of events'without regard to the 
date. 

During the contest of the Mexican revolution, there were 
operations near San Antonio. In i8[2 Ueut. Magee, late of the 
United States army, conveyed a force into Texas, He assumed 
the rank of colonel. He captured La Bahia- Goliad. He died 
there. Major Kemper succeeded him. He marched to San 
Antonio at the head of 1500 men. Gen. Salcedo, with a force of 
2500 men, met him on the Salado, about nine miles from town, 
where a fight occurred. The Americans were successful, losing 
only a few men. The Imperials lost more than 1000, with all 
their camp equipage. This engagement occurred about March 
28, 1813. The next day Col. Kemper entered San Antonio. 
Fourteen officers of rank were made prisoners. Gen, Bernado, 
who was ostensibly in command of the revolutionists, now assumed 
more authority. He ordered Capt. Delgado to escort these 
officers to the coast, where it was pretended a vessel lay, where 
they were to embark for New Orleans. Delgado proceeded a few 
miles from the city, where he massacred these officers in cold 
blood. This criminal act was the cause of profound disapproval 
by the Americans. Col, Kemper and Maj. Ross resigned and 
left Texas. It was ascertained that Gen. Bernado had author- 
ized Capt. Delgado to commit the barbarous tragedv, and he 
was relieved Irom command. 

Capt, Perry assumed command of the Americans. Gen. 
Elizondo, who betrayed Hidalgo to the Spaniards, entered Texas 
with about 3000 men. He moved to the vicinity of San Antonio, 
dispersed and killed many of the guard in charge of the American 
horses, yet failed to enter the city, Elizondo encampted on the 
Alazan creek, and had erected two bastions. The Americans 
decided on apian of battle. On the night of October 4, 1815, 
they marched out of town, and attacked the royalists early in the 
morning, while prayers were being said. After several hours of 
hard fighting the Spaniards fled, haviug lost a thousand in killed 



•• 









SAN ANTONIO IN 1853 






N 



x/Mf 



"%^: 



J 

7 "11^ 



r 



'•■5 ^ 



«>W> --- ' '■ ' -' ^. „ ■-. -u.-. ■ -.. ^,- JlCl 

ORIGIN AND FALL OF THF ALAMO. 31 

wounded and prisoners; American loss, forty-seven killed and the 
same number wounded, most of whom died. 

Just after this affair Gen. Toledo, a Cuban arrived, and took 
command. He organized a governing junta, appointed civil 
officers and restored the reign of law and order. 

Gen. Elizondo retreated' in the direction of the Rio Grande. 
Gen. Arredondo was commandant of that section. He united his 
forces with those of Elizondo and set out for San Antonio. South 
of the Medina river he threw up a breast-work in the form of a 
capital A. the open part facing San Antonio. In advance of this 
he placed some men. The republicans came — attacked the ad- 
vance. They charged the advance, pursued them into the forks 
of the work, where the Spaniards opened a terrific fire upon them 
from cch side of their works. Gen. Toledo had unfortunately 
placed the Americans uoon the right and left wings of his army. 
After discovering the trap he had entered. Gen. Toledo ordered a 
retreat. The American left wing obeyed, but the right wing 
refused, saying, "they never retreated." These men continued 
to fight. "They performed prodigies of valor." In the unequal 
contest nearly all of them were killed. The retreating column 
was p'lrsued by the Spanish cavalry and many of them were 
butchered. The retreat was continued across Texas. Seventy 
or eighty republicans surrendered at Spanish bluff, on Trinity 
river. They were inhumanly butchered. "Only ninety-three 
Arnericans succeeded in reaching Nacogdoches." This was the 
end of the American campaign in Texas in 1812 and 18 13. 
Arredondo treated the people of Bexar with much cruelty — tried 
to confiscate property, forced ladies \.o cook for soldiers and mis- 
treated men. 

An American, George Antonio Nixon, who came to San 
Antonio at an early day, affirmed that the day he arrived a swarm 
of bees settled on the Catholic church in the Main Plaza. He 
said many Mexicans asserted that the North Americans would 
soon follow the bees. He seemed to believe that the Mexicans 
of this section generally entertained that opinion. He died in 
San Augustine many years ago. 

During 18 19 Gen. L,ong entered Texas. He established a 
provisional government at Nacogdoches — declared Texas an in- 
dependent republic. He sought L,aFitte's assistance, and failed 
to obtain it. He eventually conducted an expedition to I^a 
Bahia, which he captured. From this period his history is prob- 

m ■ 



S^ ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

lematical. He was carried to the City of Mexico where he was 
assassinated. His wife remained at Point Bolivar many months 
awaiting his return. The morning and evening guns were fired 
with regularity Eventually her friends informed her of the 
General's fate, and relieved her. She was a lady of fine accom- 
plishments and great bravery. 

In 183 1, Col. Bowie, in charge of nine men and two servants, 
formed a party to visit a silver mine near the head of San Saba 
river. While on the way they were informed by Isanonie, a chief 
of the Comanches, that a large party of Wacoes and Twowokanas 
were following them, determined to take their scalps. The 
Americans moved on. They had arrived to within a few miles 
of the San Saba river. They were preparing to break camp when 
they were saluted by the war hoop by one hundred and sixty-four 
Indians. Arrangements were promptly made tor defense. A 
terrific resistance was made. Many Indians were killed. They 
fired the grass, but with no good effect. During the burning of 
the grass they removed their dead. That night they cried over 
their dead. The next morning they carried them to a cave a 
mile off. They then left. Their loss was reported to be eighty- 
one killed and wounded; American loss, one man killed, three 
wounded; one horse killed, three wounded. 

They remained in camp about eight days, taking care of the 
wounded, then marched slowly for home. Mr. Hamm, one of 
the party, oyer eighty years of age, described the fight to the 
writer. They reached San Antonio after night fall. The people 
had concluded they had been killed. When it was ascertained 
that Col. Bcvie and party had returned, the people were rojoiced. 
They illuminated the place and did all they could to welcome the 
visitors. 

Gen. Sam Houston came to Texas in 1832. He was advised 
to come by Gen. Andrew Jackson. He appears to have had 
authority as an agent to the Cherokee and other United States 
Indians. 

In February, 1840, the Comanche Indians were requested to 
meet the Texas Secretary of War, Gen. A. S. Johnson and others 
at San Antonio. They agreed to bring with them thirteen white 
captives. Theycame, and brought but one, Miss Lockhart. She 
told they had others in their camps. The Americans very can- 
didly told the Comanche chiefs they would have to bring in the 
other prisoners, comply with their words, before they could 



#- 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 33 

or would be liberated. The Comanches seemed to talk with 
bravado and defiantly. The company of Capt. Tom Howard was 
marched into the council room. The Comanches were told they 
would be held as prisoners until the other prisoners were brought 
in. The Comanches began fighting at once. They wounded 
Capt. Howard. The fight became general. Thirty-two warriors, 
three women and two children were killed. Twenty-seven 
women and children were made prisoners. Texian loss, seven 
killed and eight wounded. A Comanche woman afterwards 
brought in six or seven prisoners. This afiair was preceded by a 
long and bloody war. 

On August 10, 1840, the battle of Plum Creek was fought; 
from fitty to eighty Comanches killed. Texians commanded by 
Gen. Felix Houston. Capt. Ben McCulloch deserves great 
credit for preparing the citizens to attack the Indians. In that 
engagement a man shot a squaw, and exclaimed: "By jingo! I 
am thinning them now." 

In 1 841 Capt. John C. Hays began gaining distinction as a 
successful commander. He was situated near San Antonio, and 
was the defender of the southern and western frontier. On April 
7, 1 84 1, he defeated the Mexicans near I^aredo. 

March 5, 1842, Gen. Rafael Vasquez sent Col. Corazco to de- 
mand the surrender of San Antonio. The reply was promised the 
next day by two o'clock, through Mr. Van Ness and Mr. Morris. 
Meantime Capt. Hays and company had concluded to retreat upon 
the Guadalupe. Vasquez came into the city. Considerable private 
property was taken by private soldiers. A goodly number of 
Mexican citizens left San Antonio with the invaders. They re- 
mained but two days. 

April II, 1842, Gen. Adrian Woll entered San Antonio at the 
head of 1200 men. Capt. Hays had retired to the Salado, about 
eight miles distant. Capt. Mat he,v Caldwell, with eighty men, 
joined Hays. The latter was sent to San Antonio to entice Gen. 
Woll to pursue him. Woll advanced with Soo men, and found 
Caldwell on the creek with 220 men. Woll attacked Caldwell 
about eleven o'clock. At sundown he retired, sustaining an 
estimated loss of sixty killed and sixty wounded; Texians loss, 
one killed and nine wounded. Capt. Dawson, of LaGrange. 
Texas, in command of 53 men, was marching to assist Col. Cald- 
well. He was attacked by a portion of Gen. Woll's command. 
He halted his men in a grove of uiesquite bushes. The enemy 



•*!«• 
'*i\^ 



-?(«• 



il 



34 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

used artillery. Capt. Dawson sent out a white flag. It wasdls* 
regarded and fired on. Thirty-two of Dawson's men were killed, 
fifteen surrendered; many were wantonly butchered after they 
yielded themselves prisoners of war. 

Many men were hurrying to the scene of conflict. Gen. Woll 
seemed to appreciate the fact. He ordered his baggage to leave 
foi Mexico that night. The command followed the next morn- 
ing, April 1 8th. He acquired considerable plunder, and several 
Mexicans abandoned Texas and went with him. 

Gen. Woll made 63 prisoners at San Antonio, many of them 
men of distinction. Among them were Col. Sam Maverick, 
Judge Hutchinson, Major Colquhon, Judge William E. Jones, 
Wilson I. and John Riddle, John Twohig, Pat Morgan, Dr. 
Booker, Dr. McKay, John Howard and other gentlemen of re- 
spectability and influence. 

Col. Caldwell's force was then increased to] about 500 men. 
His intention was to force Gen. Woll to fight. It was unfortu- 
nately the fact that ambitious men desired to command. They 
converted the expedition into an electioneering hubbub; let Gen. 
Woll escape, after Capt. Hays had attacked and captured one of 
his batterieif. Col. Caldwell had done exceedingly well and 
merited the command. 

"GOLT'S SIX SttOOTERS." 

The five-shooters, the invention of Col. Colt, were offered to 
the public some time before they were recognized and adopted as 
the best firearm of that class then in existence. Few were sold, 
and the inventor was losing heart. Mr. Swante Swinson, in early 
days a merchant m Austin, Texas, and since a banker in the 
City of New York, was a friend of Col. Colt. He made him a 
present of two five-shooters. Mr. Swinson had the good sense to 
discover their value. He was instrnmental in procuring their 
delivery to Capt. Hays. He approved them. The then govern- 
ment of the Republic of Texas procured a supply of the pistols 
and armed Hayes' rangers. 

In 1844 Hays had a command of about fourteen men on as 
small creek, probably thirty miles above San Antonio. He dis- 
covered in his neighborhood a commandof seventy-flve Comanches. 
They were awaiting for an advantage to attack. Hays was too 
adroit to give them that advantage. They formed on a hill. He 
galloped around it and attacked them in the rear. The Indians 
charged them. They formed in a circle and used both rifle and 






ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMC 



Jj 



pistol. The Comanches used their lances. They were greatly 
surprised at the repeating pistols. They moved off, followed by 
the indomitable rangers. On two occasions the chief induced 
them to charge again. He was making a third effort when 
Gillespie shot him. The Indians retreated in wild confusion. 
Capt. Gillespie was killed in the fight at Monterey. Sam 
Walker, afterwards a colonel in Mexico, and killed at Huaraantla, 
was wounded also. Many others were slightly hurt. The Co- 
manches suffered a loss of thirty-five. This engagement placed 
the Colt's five-shooter in general notice and high esteem. 

Col. Sam Walker, during the Mexican war, visited Col. Colt. 
He was reported to have recommended a larger weapon than the 
five-shooter. When Col. Hay's regiment reached Vera Cruz, in 
Mexico, in the fall of 1847, there they found a supply of six- 
shooters, and his command was armed with them. The soldiers, 
some of them, were unacquainted with them and suffered some 
accidents. The writer remembers one man wounding his own 
loot, another killing his own horse, and so on. 

John S. Ford, One of the Committee 



In addition to the foregoing your committee have condnded to 
add the annexed: 

The points occupied by the Mexican forces during the siege 
of the Alamo, particularly on the morning of March 6th, 1836, are 
of interest. A fort was built northeast'of the Alamo, which was 
situated, probably, on what is now known as Dignowity Hill. 
This conclusion is threngthened by the fact that in making im- 
provements on that hill cannon balls and other articles of that 
character were found. These balls may have been thrown from 
the Alamo. It is probable that the present site of the street, 
Avenue C, was included by the troops occupying that fort. The 
cavalry were stationed at the foot of what was then known as 
Powder House Hill to prevent escapes from the Alamo. That 
section is now covered by graveyards. The Mexicans moved in 
four colums when they made the final attack. Of course they 
advanced trom four different points. 

The people and the Legislature have endeavored to honor the 
memory of the men who were prominently engaged in defense of 
the country. The capital of the State is named in commemoration 
of Stephen F. Austin, the father of Texas. The capital of the 






36 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 

Republic of Texas in early days was named Houston, in honor of 
Gen. Sam Houston, the Washington of Texas. Travis, the 
county in which the present capital is located, was named for 
the disinterested patriot, who sacrificed his life in the cause of 
Texas. Bowie, Bonham, in fact nearly all of the heroes of the 
Alamo, and quite all the men who distinguished themselves in 
the service of the Republic and the State of Texas have been 
remembered by a grateful people. 

Among these is Col. Juan N. Seguin. who was an officer at San 
Jacinto, and for whom the town of Seguin is named. 

The weight of years, and in many instances the hand of 
poverty is laid heavily upon the old patriots who nobly aided 
Texas in her days of infancy and feebleness. Some of those who 
suflFered, fought and talked for the Lone Star State, yet live in 
San Antonio. We may mention: Mrs. Mary Maverick, Mrs. 
Elizabeth Canterbury, Mrs. Amanda J. Dignowity, Capt. Nat 
Mitchell, a former soldier of San Jacinto, William McMasters, 
veteran of San Jacinto, Gen. H. P. Bee, Col. John S. Ford, Jacob 
Golls, Mexican veteran, Mr. George Linswiller, Capt. William 
Edgar, Capt. P. S. Buquor, formerly mayor of San Antonio, and 
a few others whose names are not remembered. 

C. It. Dignowity, Chairman, 
, H. P. Bbb, 

Wm. H. Youno. 




m- 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 



37 



A list of the names of those who fell in the Alamo, 
Atftonio de Bexar, 6th of March, 1836: 



at San 



NAME 



W. Barrett Travis . . 

James Bowie 

J. Washington 

. Forsyth 

Harrison 

William Blazeley.... 
Wm. CM. Baker... 

S.B. Evans 

W. K.Carey 

8. C. Blair 

Glllmore 

Robert White 

John Jones 

J. G. Baugh 

Robert Evans 

Williamson. 

Charles Despaller . . 

Eliel Melton 

Anderson . . . 

Burwell 

Dr. Michison 

Dr. Amos Pollard... 

Dr. Thompson 

Green B. Jemison . 

David Crockett 

E. Neleon 

Nelson 

Wm. H. Smith , 

Lewis Johnson 

E. P. Mitchell 

F. Desanque 

Thurston . . . , 

Moore 

IChristopher Parker. 

C.Huskell 

Rose 



Jno. Blair 

David Wilson 

JobnM. Hays — 

Stuart 

W. K. Simpson.... 
W. D. Sutherland. 

Dr. W.Howell 

Butler 

Charles Smith 

McGregor. 

Rusk 

Chas. Hawkins.... 
Sam'lHolloway.... 
• Brown 



C. S.Smith. 

Browne 

Kedeson 

Wm. Wells 

Win. Cummings 

Voluntine. . . 

Cockran 

R. W. Valentine 

S. Holloway 

Isaac White 

Day 

Robert Muselman... 

Robert Grossman 

Richard Starr 

J. G. Garrett 

Janaes Dimkin 

•lobert H. Moore 

Wra.Linn 

Hutchinson. 

Wm. Johnson 

E. Nelson 

Geo. Tumlinson 

Vfm. Deardorf 

Dan'l Bourne 

Ingram 

W.I. Lewis 



RANK 



WHERE FROM 



Lt. -Colonel 
Captain 



Lieiaeiiant 

1-t. -Adjutant 

Lt.-Ma t. Ord. 

Seryt. M^jor 

Aide to Travis 

Lt.Qnaiterma«ter 

Asst. 

Surgeon 



Ensign 
Private 



Commandant 

Tennessee 
New York 
Tennessee 

Louisiana N. 0. Greys 
Mississippi 

Texas 
Texas 
Tennessee 

N. O. Grey* 

Ireland 



Tennessee 
South Carolina 
Texas 

Nacogdoohes 
Trinity, Texas 
Georgia 

Philadelphia, Penn. 
Kentucky 

Natcbes, Miss. 

Nacogdoches 
Nacogdoches 
Nacogdoches 
Tennessee 



Navidad, Trxas 
New Orlc ms 
New Oilcans 

Scotland 

Ireland 

Philadelphia 

Tennessee 
Pennsylvania 



New Orleans 
New Orleans 
England 
New Orleans (1 
England 
New Orleans 
Boston 

Philadelphia 



3^ 



ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 



*> 



LIST OF ^hM^^. — Continued. 



NAME 



Charles Zanco 

James Ewing 

Robert Cunningham. 

8. Burns ....,.,„, 

George Neggin 

J, B, Bonham.. , . ,. 

Robinson 

Marcus Sewell , 

Harriss ..... . 

John Flanders 

Isaac Ryan 

I. Jackson 

Almeron Dickinson. 
George C. Kimbell .. 

James Geor«e 

Dolphin Floyd , 

Thomas Jackson 

Jacob Durst 

George W. Cottle.'!. ' 

Andrew Kent 

Thomas R. Miller... 

Isaac Baker 

William King 

Jesse McCoy 

Claiborne Wright.... 
William Fishback.. 

Isaac Milisaps 

Galba Fuqua 

John Davis 

Albert Martin 

John . 

B. A. M. Thomas..." 



RANK 



Private 



Lieutenant 
Private 



WRERE FROM 



Denmark 



Ireland 

South Carrlina 
Scotland 

Kentucky 



Opelousas 

Ireland 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Gonzales 

Clerk to Dlsanquo 

Killed ill Alamo 



(Shoe Maker) 



* fl 






t. o 



The foregoing list Is not included in the general certiflcate Feb. 17, 1839, 



A list of the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volun- 
teers, mustered into service on the 23rd day of February, 1836, by 
Byrd Lockhart, acting commissioner for that purpose and aid-de- 
camp to the acting Governor of Texas, attached to Travis' com- 
mand: 



NAME 


RANK 


REMARKS 


George c KimbeU 

William A. Irwin... 


Li""l' iiiiiit 

1st Si'igeant 

Private 

• 


Killed 

Killed 
Killed 
Killed 

Killed 

Killed 
Killed 

Killed 

Killed 
Killed 
KUled 
Killed 
Killed 

Killed 




Jeesee MeC IV 




William Fahbaigh 




John G. King 

Daniel McCoy, Jr 




Jocob Dm- t 




Frederick ( . mm 




Prospect MeCoy 

M. L. Sewell 




Robert White 




John Ballard 

James Nash 




William Morrison 




Galba Fuqua 

A. Devault .!. ' . 




John Harriss 




Andrew Kent 




Isaac Millsans , 

William E. Summers 




David Kent 




John Davis 





To these Mrs. Candelaria adds the following Mexicans: 

Jose Marera Cabrera, Tula, Mexico. Jose Maria uimines, Mexico. 

Elijio or Ellas hosoyo, San Antonio. Jacinto, from the coast ol Texas. 

These make 1 '; slain. Dr. Sutherland stated 172. 






ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 39 

Adjutant General's Office, ) 
Austin, March 11, 1850, ) 

I hereby certify the foregoing to be true copies ol the original 
muster rolls now on file in this ofl&ce. 
[seal] ben. F. HII,L, 

Adjutarit-General. 

Certificates from James S. Gillett, Adjutant-General, dated 

March 19 and Dec. 29, 1853, attached to copy of muster roll now 

on file in this office, show that Micajah Antry and L,ewis Duel 

were killed at the Alamo. 

General Land Office, ) 
Austin, Texas, March 30, rSSg. j 
I, R. M. Hall, Commissioner of the General Laud Office of the 
State of Texas, hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a 
true and correct copy of the copy of the names of those who fell 
at the Alamo on the 6th of March, 1836, now on file in this office. 
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set m> Uand 
[seal] and affix the impress of the seal of said office 

this, March 30, 1889. 

R. M. HALL, 

Commissioner. 
Jonathan Linly fell at the Alanic, vonched for by J. D. Parker, 
of Birdville, Tarraut County, Texas, as per his letter to the Asso- 
ciation, dated October 23, 1892, and on this statement the name 
of Jonathan Linly will be placed on the Alamo monument. 

ALAMO MONUMENT ASSOCIATION, 

H. P. Bee, Sec'y. 



% — ^ . ^ 



Alamo Monument Association. 



San Antonio, Texas. 



CHARTERED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS. 



■■* ^ y ^: ♦ 



MRS. MARY A. MAVERICK President 

Nathaniel mitchelIv vice-president 

JOHN S. FORD : Vice-President 

HAMILTON P. BEE Secretary 



DIRECTORS: 



W.H. YouN4i, 
Mrs. Geo. Newton, 
Mrs. Geo. Chabot, Sr. 
MoRRiivi. Poor, 
c. l. dignowity, 
Bryan Cai.laghan, 
Arthur Seeligson, 



James McMasters, 
Mrs. A. J. Dignowity, 
Sam Maverick, 
R. B. Green, 
Carlos Bee, 
Sam Lytle, 
Hart Mussey, 



Published by authority. 



H. P. Bee, 

Sec'y Alamo Monument Ass'n. 




PROPOSED AuAMO MONUMENT 



LBJa'Zb 



